The Energy & Natural Resources Practice works with global energy and natural resources organisations and mid-tier and junior exploration firms

We also work with the industry’s suppliers and consultancies supporting the sector.

Extractives companies operate in some of the world’s most remote and challenging locations. They must add to the welfare of local communities whilst minimising the impact on the local environment.

The operational activities of metals and mining organisations require energy and water. The demand for scarce water resources can create conflict with local communities with attendant security issues. It is critical that companies in the industry improve water and energy efficiency and develop alternative technologies.

A key challenge for oil and gas companies is to effectively manage business risks whilst allowing the enhancement of economic growth and maintaining licences to operate. At the same time they should demonstrate the highest standards of corporate citizenship. Energy companies are starting to integrate sustainability into their overall business strategy, viewing this as a critical issue essential to the long term growth of the industry.

Human rights and socio-economic issues are at the core of the industry’s sustainability strategy.

Organisations need to work with local communities and governments to address:

• Resource nationalism
• Transparency and corruption
• Strategic risk issues
• Reclamation of sites

Safety is a further pressing matter in sustainability strategy for the industry. Companies in the sector must avoid tarnishing their reputation in the eyes of stakeholders and investors.

Reputation is of increasing importance as attracting talent becomes more challenging. Top graduates and senior professionals look to join firms with a strong reputation of sustainability and ethical operation.

We talk to mid-senior executives, including the C-Suite, who are driving the sustainability strategy for their businesses.

These individuals are often responsible for:

• External Affairs
• HSE
• Ethics and Compliance
• Strategic Risk
• Human Rights and Community Engagement
• Government Relations and Policy
• Communications and Reputational Management
• Environment and Climate Change

The Practice has a global reach, working on both project and corporate office based roles. National and ex-pat candidates have been sourced recently for assignments in: DRC, Indonesia, Mauritania, Cameroon, Madagascar, Belgium, Chile, Canada and the United States.

Recent assignments include:

• Vice President, European Union: FTSE 100 Diversified Mining Company
• Senior Vice President, Group HSE: Fortune 500 Energy Company
• US Director, Social Performance and Communities: FTSE 100 Diversified Mining Company

Click below to contact our specialist consultants in this practice.

energyandnaturalresources@wscl.com